Updated October 2026 · By the AlohaClothes team, a family-owned shop on Maui since 1998
Short answer
A Hawaiian shirt should be relaxed, not oversized. The shoulder seam sits at the edge of your shoulder, the buttons lie flat across your chest, and the straight hem lands around mid-hip so it looks right untucked. If you need bigger sizes, our classic RJC cotton prints run S to 5X, Paradise Found's Star Orchid goes to 6X, and Go Barefoot's big and tall shirts reach 7X Big and 4X Tall.
"Are Hawaiian shirts supposed to be big?" is a question we hear from guys who bought one online, put it on, and felt like they were wearing a tent. The answer is no. An aloha shirt is cut with room in it, but it still has to fit. Here's what a good fit looks like and how to get it right the first time, especially if you wear a 2X or bigger.
Are Hawaiian shirts supposed to be big?
They're supposed to be relaxed. A classic aloha shirt has a boxy body, a straight hem made to be worn out, and short sleeves. Our RJC men's shirts add a back yoke with side pleats, which gives you room across the back when you reach or sit without making the whole shirt baggy. What you don't want is a shirt that's simply too big: shoulders drooping past your arms, sleeves hitting your elbows, a hem down at your thighs. That reads as borrowed, not relaxed.
How should a Hawaiian shirt fit?
| Check | Right fit | Too big | Too small |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulders | Seam at the edge of your shoulder | Seam hangs down your arm | Seam sits up on your shoulder, pulls when you reach |
| Chest and belly | Buttons lie flat with a little room | Fabric billows when you stand | Gaps between buttons |
| Length | Hem around mid-hip, covering your belt | Hem reaches your thighs | Hem rides up above your belt |
| Sleeves | End around mid-bicep | Reach your elbow | Tight around the arm |
Should you tuck it in? Usually no. The straight hem is made to be worn out. Our aloha attire guide covers when tucking makes sense.
100% cotton · made in Hawaii by RJC
Original Classic Hibiscus Men's ShirtFits true to size with a relaxed cut, back yoke and side pleats. Sizes S to 5X in royal blue, red or navy.
From $53.99See the shirtHow do I find my Hawaiian shirt size?
- Grab the shirt that fits you best. Any button-up you like the fit of will do.
- Lay it flat and measure across the chest, armpit seam to armpit seam. Double it to get the shirt's chest.
- Measure the length from the top of the collar seam at the back to the hem.
- Compare those numbers with the size chart on the product page, not the letter on your old shirt. Sizes vary between makers.
Our RJC men's shirts fit true to size with a relaxed cut. If you like a slimmer look, size down one. If you're between sizes, size up, since a little extra room looks right on an aloha shirt and a tight one never does.
What's the difference between plus size, big and tall?
| Size type | What changes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Extended sizes (2X to 6X) | The regular pattern, graded up in every direction | Most guys who wear 2X and up |
| Big | More room through the chest and belly | Bigger build, average height |
| Tall | Longer body and sleeves | Tall guys whose regular shirts ride up |
Where can I find plus size and big and tall Hawaiian shirts?
Here's how far each maker we carry goes. Check each product page, since not every print comes in every size.
| Maker | Largest size | Made in | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| RJC cotton | 5X | Hawaii | Night Time Surf, Hibiscus Hawaiian Islands |
| RJC rayon | 4X | Hawaii | Bird of Paradise Display |
| Paradise Found | 6X | Hawaii | Star Orchid (Magnum P.I.) |
| Pacific Legend | 4X | Hawaii (handmade) | Bird of Paradise Plumeria |
| Two Palms | 4X | Hawaii | Hawaiian Orchid |
| Go Barefoot | 7X Big, 4X Tall | USA, made to order | Land of Aloha |
Everything cut in big or tall sizes is grouped in our big and tall collection.
Cotton and rayon blend · made to order in the USA
Go Barefoot Land of Aloha, Big or TallCut specifically for big and tall: 2X to 6X Big, or Large to 4X Tall.
From $93.00See the shirtDo bigger sizes cost more?
Usually a little. Bigger sizes take more fabric, so the largest sizes often cost more than the smallest. For example, the Original Classic Hibiscus starts at $53.99 and tops out at $79.99 in the largest sizes. The product page shows the price for each size before you add it to your cart.
Is rayon or cotton better for a bigger guy?
Both breathe, so pick by how you want it to hang. Rayon drapes and moves, which is flattering through the belly, but it's weak when wet, so hand wash it cold and keep it out of the dryer. Cotton holds its shape, goes in the machine on a gentle cold cycle, and is easier to live with. Our care guide covers both.
100% cotton · made in Hawaii by RJC
Night Time Surf Men's ShirtSurf print in turquoise or blue. Sizes S to 5X, and it matches women's and boys' styles.
From $53.99See the shirtWhat about women's plus sizes?
Our women's camp shirts run to 3X Plus and one sleeveless blouse goes to 4X. Many dresses run to 3X or 4X Plus too. See our women's Hawaiian shirt guide and Hawaiian dress guide for fits and sizes.
Frequently asked questions
Should I size up in a Hawaiian shirt?
Only if you're between sizes. Aloha shirts are already cut relaxed, so your usual size is normally right. Check the chest measurement on the size chart if you're unsure.
Do Hawaiian shirts shrink?
Cotton and rayon can both shrink with heat. Wash cold and line dry and the shirt keeps its size, so buy the size that fits now.
How long should a Hawaiian shirt be?
Long enough to cover your belt when you raise your arms, and short enough to end around mid-hip. If regular sizes ride up on you, look at tall sizes.
What's the biggest Hawaiian shirt size you carry?
Go Barefoot's big shirts go to 7X Big, and Paradise Found's Star Orchid goes to 6X. Our RJC cotton classics go to 5X.
Can I try sizes in person?
Yes, at our MauiShirts showroom in Wailuku. Appointments are preferred; see where to buy authentic Hawaiian shirts for the address and booking.
Find a shirt that fits
Made-in-Hawaii aloha shirts from S to 6X, plus big and tall, shipped from Maui.
Shop big and tall All men's aloha shirtsFamily-owned on Maui since 1998 · Rated 4.7 out of 5 across 6,330 Amazon reviews · Free US shipping with code FREE · Returns within 30 days
